Scientist Arctic sponge is said to be help against pancreatic and ovarian cancer

Molecules in Sponges Wonder weapon against certain forms of cancer?
More than a decade ago, a golf ball of large green sponge was discovered in the deep, icy waters of Alaska. Researchers have now discovered that a sponge molecule is capable of selectively killing malignant pancreatic and ovarian cancer cells.

Scientists at the Detroit-based Henry Ford Cancer Institute and the Medical University of South Carolina found that a small green sponge from the waters off Alaska could help treat pancreatic cancer and ovarian cancer in the future. The doctors published a press release on the results of their study.

Some types of cancer are very difficult to treat if not detected early. For example, pancreatic cancer is one of them. Researchers have now discovered that molecules from a marine sponge are very effective in combating pancreatic cancer and ovarian cancer. (Image: Coloures-pic / fotolia.com)

Survival in pancreatic cancer is only about 14 percent after five years
The results are a sensation because so far there are only a few treatments for pancreatic cancer. The experts now hope to be able to secure additional funds to produce a synthetic version of the molecule and to conduct further investigations. In the US alone, around 53,000 people suffer from pancreatic cancer every year, compared with about 9,600 people in the United Kingdom. Often the disease does not cause any symptoms in the early stages, making early diagnosis difficult. There are also few chemotherapeutic agents that affect the tumor, the authors explain. The survival chances of patients after five years are only 14 percent.

Ovarian cancer could also be treated with the molecules of the sponge
Ovarian cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women. This type of cancer mainly affects women who have already passed their menopause. Sometimes, however, younger women can fall ill, say the researchers. In this type of cancer, the molecules of the sponge were also able to kill the malignant cells.

Molecule in sponge is unique in composition
The sponge is called Latrunculia austini and was discovered in 2005. He lives at a depth of 70 to 220 meters and it is likely that the sponge has its special composition, because he had to adapt to the cold, dark habitat, the scientists explain. The molecule in the sponge is structurally and chemically truly unique. It is not like any previously found molecule, add the experts.

So far, only a sponge with comparable properties has been found
"We've been investigating 5,000 sponge extracts over the past two decades," the researchers report, and so far only a single sponge with such activity has been found in the specific pattern of selective ovarian and pancreatic cancer activity. This sponge comes from Indonesia.

Where can you find the special sponge??
Latrunculia austini lives in an area that stretches from the Gulf of Alaska to the Washington State coast. Although this area has been protected from the effects of trawling since 1996, the researchers fear that the protection measures are insufficient. The discovery of this green sponge is another indication of the untapped potential of the ocean for life-saving medical discoveries, the authors of the study explain. (As)